Approaching Key Resistance
Today’s bull breakout further confirms strength of the counter-trend rally. It looks poised to test resistance near the 50-day average, now at $59.13. Until proven otherwise, some degree of resistance can be anticipated. Since the area near the 50-day average reversed the bull reversal from the October swing low, it was confirmed several times as a dynamic resistance area, most recently the December lower swing high at $60.56.
Since the average identifies an area of possible resistance, the 12-day high at $59.22 can be included in the price zone as well, along with a 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level at $59.37. Together, these indicators show a price zone from around $59.13 to $59.37 where the current bounce could stop and reverse – or breakthrough.
Reversal Confirmation Levels
A sustained recapture of the $60.56 lower swing high from early December would be needed to show a reversal of the trend on the daily chart. However, a one-week bullish reversal triggered this week from a bullish hammer candle pattern. The weekly breakout will confirm if this week ends above last week’s high of $57.82. Nevertheless, the reversal of the lower swing high is needed to satisfy the internal downtrend that began from the June spike high at $78.44.
Broader Downtrend Context
The series of lower swing highs from that peak suggests at least another pullback from resistance near the top of the short-term decline bounded by a dashed falling trendline. Despite recent signs of strength, demand will need to remain strong enough to advance further and then break out through a resistance zone and remain in a bullish technical position. That would be difficult without another dip, even if to generate a higher swing low rather than another test of this month’s lows.
Outlook
Crude oil’s counter-trend rally has gained traction with the 20-day reclaim and weekly reversal signal, but the $59.13–$59.37 confluence looms as the decisive test. Clearance and hold above the 50-day average shifts the daily structure to short-term bullish; rejection there favors another leg lower within the larger downtrend from June.
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